Despite Slow Start, FSILGs Enjoy Record Pledging

Despite early predictions of a slow rush, 386 students pledged fraternities and independent living groups as of Wednesday.

“This was the highest total of pledges/affiliates for ILGs in the 12 rushes since I’ve worked at MIT,” said Neal H. Dorow, assistant dean of residence life and student life programs.

In previous years the number of new students rushing fraternities and independent living groups was on the decline. Entering students from 1995 and 1996 accepted more than 380 bids in both years. However, bid totals in the following two years fell to 362 in 1997 and 316 in 1998. This year’s rush was a break from the trend with a recovery from the previous years’ low bid totals.

The increase was more significant especially because the number of freshman in the entering class was lower than in previous years, added Dorow, who serves as the adviser to fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups.

In a press release, the Interfraternity Council attributed the increase in pledging to cooperation between FSILGs during rush.

“This year’s success is evidence of the true community in the FSILG system.” said IFC President Micheal V. Trupiano ’00.

Besides the 386 students becoming residential FSILG members, five students pledged fraternities nonresidentially and 116 females joined sororities.